Sunday, August 17, 2014

Sri
Krishna Janmaashtami also known as Gokulaashtami is one of the most
widely celebrated Avatar days in Sanaatanic vedic traditions. Smaarthas
celebrate the Gokulashtami (here Ashtami is the deciding factor for the
celebration), while Sri Vaishnavaas celebrate it as Sri Jayanthi where
the star Rohini is the deciding factor. The typical consideration is
the operation of the deciding factors described above at the time of
midnight - though some take the evening time for reckoning. So, there
could be some differences in the dates on which Lord Krishna's birthday
is celebrated by followers of different sects of Sanaatana Dharma -
like Smaartas, Shri Vaishnavas (Pancharaatra and Vaikaanasa aagamic
celebrations sometimes differ even among shri vaishnavas). This year, Gokulashtami is to be observed on August 17th (if you are offering a pooja, it is to be done in the evening of August 17th), and Sri Jayanthi is to be observed on August 18th - evening and midnight. Those living in U.S., Canada, and other countries of the American continent must observe this on midnight of August 16th and evening of August 17th. In spite of
all these minor differences, it is the spirit of the day and celebration
that is of spiritual significance to all bhaktaas.

Lord
Krishna's avatar leelas are a live example of a karma yogic path -
complete detachment from the results and perfect performance of one's
duties as per one's station in life. Remembrance of how He playfully
enacted various leelas and in the process decimated demonaic forces in
various garbs is sure to inspire us to achieve great things in life. He
taught us the efficacy of "effortless perfection". His Bhagavad Geeta
is a magnum opus that can be a friend, philosopher, guide, counsellor,
all rolled into one - it carries the essence of the whole Upanishadic
Wisdom.

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The following are some of the charities/ meritorious religious deeds that you can do on this day to get His Grace......

Those who follow religious traditions in the family will
perform a sampradaayic pooja to Shri Krishna on the above days as per
their traditions.

Recital of Gopika Geetam, Gopala Hrudayam, portions of Bhagavad Geeta, etc. will be auspicious on this day.

Those who are initiated into Gopala mantra may recite it number
of times today praying for Universal Welfare (for propogation of
Dharmic principles and for subjugation of evil forces in various
forms).

Do what you can to promote the welfare of cows in your locality
(by contributing what little you can to organizations that are
involved in providing shelter to aged cows), as this is sure to bring
His Grace to you.

Offer respects to children - if possible, try to bring happiness to at least one child in a destitute home.

Try to honour scholars who are involved in propogating the
doctrine of Bhagavat Geeta or other vedic principles of living. If
possible try to donate copies of the Holy Bhagavad Geeta to some
children or aspirants thereby contributing to the spread of the
Doctrine.

Try to contribute at least some amount to vedic scholars who
are involved in performing various homams/ yagnas throughout the year
for the welfare of the Universe (the donation can be to any scholar who
in your opinion is performing such acts in your locality, or to any
respectable Pandit anywhere in the world).

Try to select one slokha from Bhagavad Geeta and let that verse
be your guiding principle in all activities throughout the year (This
is putting philosophy in action and is sure to win you His Grace).

You
need not worry if you are currently not in an economically sound
position to grant liberally to charities or scholars. Lord Krishna was
satisfied beyond words on the soulful offering of just "aval" (flattened
puffed rice) from His poor friend KusElaa! What you offer does not
matter to Him....it only matters whether you are offering it with
Devotion. Recital of kusEla Charitra from Srimad Bhaagavatam is sure to
bring prosperity to you.

Our
paaraayanam group members may listen to audio recitals on Shri Krishna
or Naaraayana from our group - listening to hymns is as efficacious as
actual recital of the hymns. Especially, the hymn "Naaraayanam
Bhaje....." and "Guruvaayurappan Pancharatnam" are very powerful hymns
that can be found in our files section.